Parkinson’s is a neurological condition which affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine – the chemical which helps us control movement.
It’s a type of progressive condition – meaning symptoms appear gradually and slowly get worse, as the brain becomes increasingly damaged over time.
The condition is life-altering, but not life-threatening – while some advanced symptoms may make you more vulnerable to infection, for most people Parkinson’s will not significantly reduce life expectancy.
Symptoms
The two main groups of symptoms are “motor” symptoms affecting movement – such as tremor (shaking), muscle rigidity and slowness of movement – and “non-motor” symptoms like pain, anxiety and depression.
Find out more about Parkinson’s symptoms
Causes
We don’t yet know for sure what causes Parkinson’s – it’s most likely a combination of our genetics and environmental factors. The specifics around which genes are definitely involved and what all of the potential environmental factors are remain unknown.
Find out more about the causes of Parkinson’s
Treatment
There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but quality of life can be improved with various medications, surgery and lifestyle choices.
Find out more about treatment for Parkinson’s
Prevalence
Around 10 million people have Parkinson’s worldwide, but it is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, so that number is expected to double by 2050.
Parkinson’s affects people of all races and cultures. Most people who get the condition are over 60, but one in ten are under 50. Slightly more men than women are affected.